On Saturday December 10, 2016 at 6pm the Town of Shenandoah held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Big Gem Park. It was a small crowd that braved the below freezing temperatures and attended this year’s ceremony. Mayor Clinton Lucas read the Legend of The Christmas Tree and lite the Christmas tree. Afterwards the audience joined in and sang Christmas carols along with the choir. While waiting for Santa to arrive, the children roasted marshmallows over a small bonfire that was attended by volunteer Ronnie Rinaca.
Members from the Shenandoah Indians Baseball club were on hand serving hot chocolate with marshmallows, coffee, and homemade baked goods to include cookies, cupcakes and fudge. All the children were excited when Santa arrived. Santa was wearing his vintage suit and was escorted to the park via fire truck, driven by volunteers from Shenandoah Volunteer Fire Department. This year’s ceremony took place under the picnic shelter on the lower level of the park. This was the second time this ceremony was held at this location. This new location has lots of room for the performers and audience under the covered pavilion. The pavilion and rear parking lot was well lite as members of Shenandoah Police department manned the portable generator & light trailer. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all children waited in line to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and then had their picture taken with him. Some young at heart adults also had their picture taken with Santa! The Shenandoah Beautification Committee and town employees had decorated the park with Christmas lights.
